Her Story
About Brittaney
I've been in education about eight and a half to nine years. I started out as an 8th grade English teacher for two years, transitioned to teaching 5th and 6th grade social studies for two years, then moved to high school teaching U.S. history, then literacy for two years. Last year I became a college counselor and this is my second year. I predominantly teach black and brown students and as an HBCU graduate I advocate for students to look into HBCUs and help them find scholarships on the UNCF website.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brittaney
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my great-grandparents and grandmothers who endured Reconstruction, Jim Crow South, civil rights movements, and redlining. I push to go further because they didn't have the opportunities, and I know they would be proud.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Take up space. When you walk in the room, you are supposed to be in that room. Make sure you take up space and don't second guess if you should be there.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make sure this is something you really want to do. Education is not a field you get into for the money or fame. You have to be kid-centered and your actions always in the best interest of the kids. If you lose sight of that, remove yourself. This work is not easy, and if it becomes too much and you stop taking care of yourself, it's okay to leave.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is funding for education and the lack of respect at state and federal levels for what it takes to teach children. We have become too test-based and don't give opportunities for teachers to teach or students to learn according to different learning styles. There is a lack of understanding what it takes to be a teacher, lack of respect, and not paying teachers what they are worth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Seeing people as a whole and understanding their different dimensions and needs, respecting them even if they don't align with yours. Strong faith in God, family values, being respectful and treating people how I want to be treated.
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